*NELFUND To Audit Student Database, Cut Stipends For Dropouts* The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has clarified why some students who have dropped out of school continue to receive monthly stipends from the fund, attributing the issue to an ongoing system update. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, NELFUND’s Executive Director of Operations, Mustapha Iyal, explained that the agency is currently working to update its student database to properly identify those who have graduated or left school. Iyal emphasized that without an updated system, NELFUND cannot immediately detect students who have left school. He noted that efforts are underway to collaborate with institutions to verify students’ enrollment status. > “We are improving our system to ensure that only active students continue to receive payments. Many students have already stopped receiving stipends because their records show they are inactive—meaning they are no longer enrolled.” He added that for the 2024/2025 session, a significant number of students might not receive their next upkeep payment due to incomplete academic progression from the previous session. Iyal outlined the verification process for student loan applications, explaining that: 1. NELFUND first verifies that the documents submitted by students are authentic. 2. Institutions are then contacted to confirm the student’s enrollment status and tuition fees. 3. Only after the institution validates the details does NELFUND approve the payment. He assured that consultations with institutions regarding pending applications are ongoing, and students who remain enrolled will continue receiving financial support. As a key initiative under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, NELFUND aims to increase access to education for indigent students through loan programs. Iyal reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency and efficiency, ensuring that only eligible students receive financial aid. Stay Up-To-Date Receive Educational News Updates On Whatsapp @ https://wa.link/5nyhb5